Dillon Baxter, founder and CEO of materials science startup PlantSwitch, is working to change the way businesses approach single-use plastics with a plant-based alternative designed to break down naturally without leaving behind persistent plastic waste.
The 29-year-old entrepreneur leads a company that has developed CompostZero, a proprietary material made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a family of biodegradable polymers produced by microorganisms. According to PlantSwitch, its material is designed to mimic conventional plastic while breaking down in home composting environments, soil and marine settings.
The company aims to address concerns about plastic pollution and microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles that can enter food, water and ecosystems as plastic products degrade. Traditional plastics can persist in the environment for extended periods, while recycling remains limited by collection systems, contamination and processing challenges.
PlantSwitch says its products are designed to offer businesses an alternative to conventional plastic without requiring them to replace their existing manufacturing equipment. That compatibility could help manufacturers adopt new materials while limiting the cost and complexity associated with changing production processes.
“We’ve developed the technology and capabilities to take this amazing base material, and make it very processable and make it run on existing plastic equipment, which enables us to scale in a major way because we don’t have to go reinvent the whole supply chain,” Baxter told Inc.
The company manufactures a range of single-use products, including forks, spoons, knives, straws, hot coffee cups and lids. Its products are available in multiple colors, allowing businesses to incorporate the alternatives into existing food service and hospitality operations.
PlantSwitch has reportedly raised $28 million in venture capital funding to support its growth and manufacturing capabilities. The company says it produces approximately 1 billion units annually and has supplied products to major organizations and brands, including Walmart, Live Nation, SoFi Stadium, Rogers Centre, Goop Kitchen NYC, Wonder Brands and Taylor Farms.
Baxter, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, is building the company as businesses face increasing pressure to explore alternatives to conventional plastics and reduce their environmental footprints.
Unlike some compostable materials that require specialized commercial composting facilities, PlantSwitch says its material is designed to break down under a wider range of conditions. However, actual biodegradation rates depend on the product, environment and disposal conditions, making independent testing and certification important considerations for consumers and businesses.
As PlantSwitch expands production, its approach highlights the growing role of materials science in efforts to reduce plastic waste. The company is also preparing to announce additional Series B funding, according to its representatives.
For Baxter and his team, the goal is to make alternative materials practical for large-scale manufacturing while giving businesses more options for reducing their reliance on traditional plastics.